Forever young: Top 20 anti-aging foods

Eating certain foods can help in that battle, dramatically improving your skin, boosting energy levels and even fighting off disease.istock
/ The Province

1. Blueberries

Blueberries not only taste great, they are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and a great source of antioxidants that may help protect the brain and skin.Jason Lang
/ BURNABY NOW

2. Wild salmon

Omega-3 fats, like those found in wild salmon, can protect the skin, brain, eyes, heart and joints. The American Heart Association suggests up to 12 ounces of fatty fish per week.Michelle Hofer
/ Fall Food & Wine

3. Pistachios

These little green nuts are not only high in nutrition, but they also have a major benefit over other nuts they come in a shell. According to a study published in the journal Appetite, subjects consume 41 per cent fewer calories when in-shell nuts are offered compared to those already shelled.File
/ Google Image

4. Whey protein

As we age, muscle mass begins to decline at around 1 per cent per year. This loss becomes a vicious cycle - loss of muscle means lower metabolism, loss of coordination and balance, and the list goes on. Fortunately, combining strength training with a little ‘magical’ by-product of milk (whey protein isolate) can do wonders. Try adding it to a smoothie, mix in some blueberries, and you’ve got a winner.Screen grab
/ Wikipedia

5. Greek yogurt

This type of yogurt has double the protein and half the sugar of regular yogurt. Search for a Greek yogurt that has probiotics, special cultures that are great for gut health. Greek yogurt also has less lactose than regular yogurt, which makes it easier to digest.iStockphoto
/ Thinkstock

6. Coffee

Coffee gets a bad rap, but it’s not as bad as you might think. Some data suggests coffee drinkers have less of a chance of dying from heart disease. Need another reason to enjoy your cup of joe? It may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.File
/ Google Image

7. Barramundi

With half the calories of salmon, yet equal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, Barramundi is a great nutrient-dense option. Find it in the frozen section of many natural food stores.Screen grab
/ Wikipedia

8. Oats

Most people don’t eat enough fibre. Oats are one easy way to load up on this essential nutrient. Since fibre also helps fill you up, it may reduce the risk of that dreaded middle-age spread.istock
/ The Province

9. Red wine

Red wine contains a potent antioxidant called resveratrol. Animal research suggests high amounts of resveratrol may prevent cell death in the heart and brain. Women should aim for one drink per day, while men can have two.'
/ PNG file photo

10. Spinach

A true nutrient powerhouse, spinach is rich in lutein, which has been shown to have anti-aging properties.Adrian Lam
/ Victoria Times Colonist

12. Whole grains

There’s a lot of controversy about whether grains are actually good for your body, but most of this debate revolves around how carbohydrates impact your body fat levels. The truth: Whole grains have been associated in many studies with preventing cholesterol buildup in your arteries. And like most things in life, moderation is the key.Lars Hagberg
/ Canwest News Service

13. Cinnamon

Research shows that cinnamon may decrease the post-meal insulin spike. And the more controlled the spike, the less likely you are to store body fat. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon on your favorite foods daily — yogurt, oats, cottage cheese or in a smoothie — it not only tastes great, but may help slim your waistline. And, it’s a powerful antioxidant to boot.Handout
/ Files

14. Dark chocolate

Research has shown that dark chocolate – not milk or white – has heart health properties. In fact, eating one ounce of dark chocolate per day has been associated with lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher HDL (good) cholesterol. Aim for dark chocolate that’s at least 70 per cent cacao.File
/ Google Image

15. Curcumin

Louisiana State University researchers found that curcumin — the yellow spice that gives curry its color — may have cancer destroying abilities. The reason: the curcumin restricts blood vessels in cancerous cells and inhibits movement. You don’t need to eat out at an Indian restaurant for the benefit. Just add 1 to 2 tablespoons to chicken, veggies or rice.Thinkstock
/ canada.com

16. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain lycopene, which protects your skin from UV damage. It also is loaded with vitamin C, which produces collagen for healthier skin.
/ Robert Rosel

17. Green tea

Chinese researchers have found that people who drank three cups of green tea per day slowed down the aging process. The reason: Green tea might improve your DNA structure and slow the shortening of cells that results during aging.Files
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18. Watermelon

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Carrots are filled with beta-carotene. And watermelon is loaded with both vitamins, which help protect your skin and repair cells that are damaged by sunlight.Thinkstock
/ canada.com

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